It is difficult to believe you are no more. I am still in shock and still processing the news of your demise. 
During the course of my work, I met your husband, Mr. Agyeman-Budu Esq., who informed me that his wife is also a judge. I was, therefore, delighted to meet you in one of the Judges’ meetings a couple of years later. We typically meet in conferences, both locally and internationally. We attended the IAWJ conference in the Ivory Coast, where we formed such a strong bond. In May 2024, the Ghana Chapter of IAWJ, under your leadership, hosted a regional conference, which was a great success. At the end of the conference, Abuja, Nigeria, was selected to host the next regional conference. In April 2025, we attended the IAWJ Biennial International Conference in the beautiful city of Cape Town, which boasts breathtaking views. At the end of the conference, Quebec, Canada, was selected to host the next IAWJ Biennial International Conference. The Ghana delegation was excited about the two upcoming conferences, and we looked forward to attending them.
Towards the end of the Cape Town conference, my husband and I saw you standing alone on Walter Sisulu Avenue, and we enquired whether you were okay. You responded affirmatively as we hurried to catch a boat to Robben Island. The next day, we met at the hotel lobby to take taxis to the airport to embark on our return journey to Accra. On arrival in Accra, I proceeded to my station in Kumasi.
Meanwhile, preparations for your mother’s funeral were underway. In the week of your mother’s funeral, I was sitting in Accra, so I did not attend your mother’s funeral in Kumasi. However, upon my return to Kumasi, I checked to see whether you were still there, and you confirmed that you were. I visited you on June 10, 2025, at your home in Fumesua to commiserate with you. You and your husband welcomed me warmly, and we discussed many topics. It was, therefore, a shock to have woken up on July 18, 2025, to the terrible news of your demise the night before.
If tears could bring you back, you would be here now. Your sudden and unexpected demise has prompted deep reflections on life: life is fragile and fleeting. I can only pray in agreement with the Psalmist in Psalm 90:12, that, ‘so teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’_I realized that there are two days in a man’s life that we do not have control over: the date of birth and the date of death; they are in God’s hands. We, therefore, take solace in the belief that God allowed your call to glory. It is only in this belief that we can bid you farewell, cherish your legacy, and come to terms with your passing. 
Your quiet disposition was phenomenal. You championed the cause of women and children. You offered your services through the roles you played in our esteemed association of women judges. You will be sorely missed. May God comfort your husband, children, and your entire family at this difficult time.
Amaku, yoo kama, mo worsi saminya.
Owoahene, Rita, Dayie.
Her Ladyship, Justice Mrs. Rita Agyeman-Budu, may your repose in the Lord continue.

Rest well in the blossom of our Lord Jesus.You’ve paid your dues to Ghana’s legal system.Your legacy lives on.

My dear Sister-In-Law,

I am here to celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable woman, Her Ladyship Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu. As a devoted wife, mother, sister-in law, and pillar of our family, she embodied grace, compassion, and wisdom.

Her Ladyship’s achievements in the judiciary are a testament to her intellect and dedication to justice. Her kindness, generosity, and mentorship touched countless lives.

We’ll cherish memories of her warmth, humility, and strength. May her legacy inspire us to emulate her values and continue her pursuit of justice and excellence.

Her soft spoken voice always inspired me, especially when she calls me, “Mr President”, a name she gave to me when she came to New York, US to pursue her Master’s degree in Law at St John’s University. 

Rest in peace, Auntie Rita. Your impact will be deeply felt.

“Me dofo pa, dayie.”

Madam Rita, I will always remember when we first met and every encounter thereafter. Your smile, your words, your warm embrace of every person and your wisdom. You were (so hard to use the past when talking about you) an outstanding judge and human being. A caring loving mother so proud of your amazing children. A wife, friend, sister, auntie and so much much more. For me, you were and always will be Madam Rita, Kwaku’s mum and an amazing lawyer and friend. We shall miss you, but the only consolation is that we know you are now watching over us all from heaven. RIP Madam Rita and thank you for all you did for so many, including me.

On behalf of the Ohemeng Family in the US including Mrs Christina Ward, we extend to the entire Agyeman-Budu Family for the untimely death of their beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunty, friend & colleague. May her precious soul rest peacefully in the bosom of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A-M-E-N !!!
AWURABA RITA DAYIE !!! DAMIRIFA DUE !!!

You are gone but not forgotten.
Rest Well Mummy.🙏

Auntie Rita, you were a self- made woman; a woman of substance. You wore more than four hats: yes, you juggled family; career, church and society.
You excelled in all of that. 
Auntie Rita, you will for ever be in the hearts of all the women, children and families you fought for.
Though very sad to see you gone,; I say ** We will never say goodbye in heaven; in that fair land of song and joy.
Damirifa due.
Rest, sleep peacefully in the Lord’s bosom. Amen.

Even though I didn’t have a personal relationship with My Lady, I can still say she was one of the best Justices I have appeared before. She knew her stuff and was always ready to direct you to the right path regardless. Indeed, the Judiciary has lost a gem. The legal fraternity has lost a colossal brain, but we take solace in the word of God that one day we shall meet again. I pray for peace and to your children I say God will keep you all. Never forget how My Lady instilled the virtue of Christianity in you all. To Daddy I say Kafra. God will always keep you strong.

Still feels so surreal…but one day we will understand why you had to leave us so early. I remember Her Ladyship at the Teshie Nungua United Church, especially during those Friday prayer meetings when we were few yet the Agyeman- Budu family always turned up every Friday to pray. . This ensured there was always a group praying no matter the number. In her own quiet and soft spoken ways Auntie Rita impacted all of us deeply – she prayed, she gave of her time and resources and had a cordial word for all. Just by being present I am personally encouraged to show up even when it’s not popular. Her Ladyship Justice Rita Aggyeman-Budu, may yourr gentle soul rest in perfect peace. We miss you so much.

She was a gentle person, a woman I admired and who inspires me everyday to go on achieving all that I’ve set out to do. I never got to tell her this but anytime she came to the clinic I will secretly look at her for a long time just admiring how the police man will escort her. She gave me hope, hope that I can be at the top of my career and still aim for more. It was indeed privilege to always attend to her. I am glad I got to know her and she will forever remain an inspiration to me. Rest well Mrs. Agyeman-Budu. I will miss you most especially your gentle smile.

My dearest Sister 👩🏾 Inlaw
May we all be comforted in His mighty hand 🤚 and grace abundantly as we bid farewell to a very special wife, mother 👩🏾, sister, auntie and a friend.
Duei Duei our Ladyship Mrs Rita Agyeman-Buduship Mrs Rita Agyeman-Budu😇😇😇🥰🥰🥰🪦🪦🪦💐💐💐😭😭😭👏🙏🏿🙏

We remember an extraordinary woman, an exceptional mother and a remarkable High Court Judge. She carried her responsibilities with grace, strength, and unwavering integrity. As a mother, she nurtured with deep love and gentle wisdom; as a judge, she served with fairness, clarity, and compassion.
She had a rare ability to make others feel seen and valued, and her kindness left an imprint on everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the values she stood for.
May her soul rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the light she leaves behind 🕊️🕊️

.

My Lady, please sleep well in the bosom of our maker until we meet again. Thanks for the training at the commencement of the Commercial Court. That mentorship and training brought us this far in the service.
U will forever be in our hearts.

You have been a pillar of the family, a fair and firm justice of our courts. You have played your role on this earth well. May the Good Lord grant you eternal rest. Rest in Peace

To the gallant soldier of Christ-Rita who has fallen under the cross, your good works on earth be a pillar of strength and justice for all Ghanaians now and forever more in the name of the Lord Amen

Great Lady, rest well in the bosom of your Maker whom you faithfully served. You will forever be missed.

 She will continue to shine  💪💪💪

Auntie Rita, 
I used to sit by you at the back row at the Law School. You used to scold me whenever I return late from the Makola Mall on my ‘corporate social responsibility’ duties. You used to ask me, “have you finished?” Then you will stop me from going anywhere again. Awwwww Auntie Rita! You are a Big Sis Always! You had such a golden heart  💛🖤

Rest my dear!

 It’s so sad the unfortunate happened to you. The day l heard, l disbelieved, thinking It’s someone one else. The interaction we had in January at Putei-Ada will never be forgotten. Fare thee well aunty Rita. Forever in our hearts

J’ai côtoyé ma sœur et collègue Rita dans nos rencontres internationales de femmes juges et magistrates d’Afrique. J’ai appris son départ vers la maison du Père par ma soeur et amie Gifty, avant que cela soit annoncé sur notre plateforme. J’en ai été très secouée émotionnellement et j’ai compris une chose : la fragilité de l’être humain ! Car je revois l’image de la femme resplendissante, dont la présence et la prestance ne peuvent passer inaperçues, que j’ai encore côtoyée lors de mon bref séjour au Ghana l’année dernière,(2024), lors de nos assises qui s’y tenaient.
En parcourant ta biographie, j’ai compris que tu as été une personne véritablement engagée dans chaque aspect de la Vie que tu embrassais. La parole de Dieu dit ” si tu n’es chaud, ni froid, je te vomis”! Tu as fait et assumé des choix clairs. Tu as été une grande Ambassadrice dans la lutte des droits de la femme. Que Dieu notre Père te reçoive maintenant et te donne ta récompense si bien méritée, à savoir le Paradis. Pries pour nous qui poursuivons ce pèlerinage terrestre.

My Lady, I remember one of our many conversations years ago when I was preparing to go attend the GBV course at MASHAV Israel. This was my first time so far away from home. You had been there before. Some how you made the trip feel less daunting. You called to check in while I was away to reassure me. All through the years of my career as a Judge, you weren’t too far. When I was leaving again to be away for a whole year, you reminded me that My classmate Kweku was at Fordham, not to far away. We were both excited to be Red Stormians. You were always the first to smile and say hello, to encourage me. You were always present quietly, within reach. You were always easy to sit with and talk to. Your quiet smile is etched in my memory. Your passing came as a shock. You were there one day and gone the next, plus you didn’t give any warning. Your devotional is now posted by another. IAWJ and the Service are not the same without you. You will be sorely missed. Rest well with our maker My Lady, rest. Till we meet again.